Abstract: Provided are devices, methods, communication managers and user interface solutions that enable access to multiple services from a mobile communications device. A mobile communication device that provides telephony services via a PSTN also includes multiple communication channels that exploit packet data transfer via an IP network, for example enabling VoIP, instant messaging and other internet-based communication services to be initiated from a mobile telephone.

Abstract: Provided are devices, methods, communication managers and user interface solutions that enable access to multiple services from a mobile communications device. A mobile communication device that provides telephony services via a PSTN also includes multiple communication channels that exploit packet data transfer via an IP network, for example enabling VoIP, instant messaging and other internet-based communication services to be initiated from a mobile telephone.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus suitable for capturing a image of one or more of a user's facial features is disclosed. The apparatus includes a spherical cold mirror which presents a concave surface to the user and is disposed between the user and the camera. The user is able to conclude that he is close enough to the camera for successful image capture when the reflection he sees in the mirror is the right way up. In a preferred embodiment, markings are provided on the front surface of the mirror to aid the user in placing his eye within a predetermined range of distances from the camera. The imaging apparatus is suitable for use in iris recognition apparatuses and provides a relatively inexpensive alternative to known apparatuses.

Abstract: In a method of using iris recognition to determine whether a person is authorised to pass a security check, the person is first identified by comparing a captured and digitised iris code with iris codes stored in a database of iris codes for authorised persons. Then, the iris code for an identified person is compared with all previously recorded iris codes for that person. If there is an exact match, the identified iris code is deemed irregular since the chances of obtaining an exact match are significantly low. As a result, either further identifying information is requested or access to resources or systems is denied to the person.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus (34) suitable for capturing an image of one or more of a user's facial features is disclosed. The apparatus includes a spherical cold mirror (45) which presents a concave surface to the user and is disposed between the user and the camera (47). The user is able to conclude that he is close enough to the camera (47) for successful image capture when the reflection he sees in the mirror (45) is the right way up. In a preferred embodiment, markings are provided on the front surface of the mirror to aid the user in placing his eye within a predetermined range of distances from the camera (47). The imaging apparatus 34 is suitable for use in iris recognition apparatuses and provides a relatively inexpensive alternative to known apparatuses.

Abstract: A personal identification apparatus for providing information characteristic of an eye includes a housing with an entrance window through which a user looks at a target object. An image capture device within the housing operates to provide an image signed representing features of the eye and responsive to non-visible light reflected from the eye. In addition to the illumination source for the non-visible light reflected from the eye the apparatus also includes an optical element substantially transparent to the non-visible light and which has a first region less transparent to visible light from the target object than a second region. The arrangement of the apparatus is such that the image capture device views the eye through the second region of the optical element and the eye views the target object through the first region of the optical element.

Abstract: A dynamic filtration unit for drilling and completion fluids employs an adjustable size annulus, high filtration pressures and temperatures, automatic filtration collection and measurement, and natural or artificial filters.

Abstract: A system for testing the parameters of drilling mud has a flush pump for periodically flushing drilling mud from the components of the system. The flush pump includes a piston driven by a source of pressurized air selectively applied to one side to pressurize flush water and to the other side to retract the piston and to draw another volume of flush water from the source. A solenoid valve between the flush pump and viscosity measuring tubes in the system connects the volume of pressurized flush water in the pump to a tap of the measuring tubes by displacement of the piston.

Abstract: A cable connector for connecting marine seismic cables having an electrical conductor and a high tensile strength load transmitting core, comprising a housing having spherical sockets provided in opposite ends thereof, a pair of diametrically opposed grooves extending partially into the inner surface of the spherical sockets and extending longitudinally relative to the housing, strain relief members attached to the cables having substantially spherical ball portions at each end thereof rotatably positioned within the spherical sockets of the housing, and a pair of diametrically opposed pockets in the outer surface of the ball portions arranged to register with the grooves of the spherical sockets. A pair of projections extend from opposite sides of the ball portions and project into the grooves of the spherical sockets whereby the strain relief members are free to simultaneously rotate about the projections and translate along the grooves.

Abstract: A method for determining the foaming characteristics of a crude oil stream at the wellhead comprising introducing the production crude oil stream from the wellhead into an elongated, horizontal separator under reduced pressure at a controlled flow rate, withdrawing evolved gas from the upper portion of the separator and measuring the flow rate thereof, withdrawing oil from the lower portion of the separator and measuring the flow rate thereof, controlling the pressure on the separator at a lower pressure than the wellhead pressure, controlling the liquid level of the oil in the separator, measuring the volume of oil in the separator, and measuring the volume of foam in the separator.